Heat the 2 tbsp. water in a heavy bottomed stockpot over low heat. Cook the garlic, onion, and carrots in the water until the onion is soft, adding water as necessary to prevent sticking. Keep the lid on between stirrings.

Add the beans to the pot. Then add the tomatoes, crushing any large chunks into smaller pieces. Add the water. Cover the pot and simmer for about an hour.

Stir in the salt and pepper. If you’re serving the stew right away, add all the parsley and the lemon juice. If you’re serving it later or at room temperature, add half the parsley and then add the rest and the lemon juice right before serving.

NOTES : This is a great recipe that tastes even better the next day. You can add as much garlic as 2 whole bulbs without it being overpowering–just be careful not to chop the cloves. For a stronger garlic taste, I mash a few of the cloves against the side of the pot as it cooks.